Surprise pick at number one in this 2023 NFL mock draft

22. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Baltimore Ravens have some other concerns that need to be addressed and yes, I could see them going with Zay Flowers here but ultimately, I decided on Deonte Banks, cornerback out of Maryland.

The Ravens currently starting duo Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens haven’t exactly been at the top of their game, particularly Stephens.  PFF has Stephens with a 2022 grade of 52.5, while Humphrey posted an overall grade of 76.7.  The Ravens need someone to challenge Stephens, enter Deonte Banks.

Banks is six feet tall and weighs nearly 200 pounds, good size to match up physically but what stood out the most with Banks is his athleticism.  At the NFL Combine, he was a beast.  Displayed elite speed with a 40-time of 4.35 and his 10-yard split, vertical and broad jump were some of the best at the combine.  Next Gen Stats gave Banks an athleticism score of 98, tops of all the corners at the combine as well.

Banks started all four years of his career with Maryland and allowed a QB rating when targeted of 71.4 or less in his last three seasons.  He has tons of experience, having played in 30 games and nearly 1500 total snaps; however, his 2020 season was cut short due to the Covid year and he suffered a shoulder injury in 2021 that limited him to just two games.  He’s also only produced two interceptions throughout his career.